Viagra for the Soul?

by Fr. Steven Voytovich

Having heard about its wonderworking potential, men and women across our nation have begun to search for the new drug Viagra. Many previously disabled due to a variety of factors are now intent on reviving the fullness of their relationship with spouses. HMOs are determining whether to underwrite the cost. Is this medication really necessary? If so, how often should one need to take this drug - physically, morally?

Imagine, for a moment, a similar wonder-working prescription impacting fullness of faith. Let's call it Prayer. Men and women, through Prayer, recognize a dramatic increase in their ability to function as faith-filled, believing people of God, and to share their faith with others. More fully spiritually alive, those taking this prescription eagerly share God's love with family members, friends, even strangers - and to feel good about it.

How would this breakthrough be received in our neighborhoods? Those getting out of their cars to shop risk being accosted by someone, wielding incredible faith and belief, offering to render assistance. Parishes and congregations become thriving communities pouring out superabundant care to those in need. Hospital stays are reduced by doctors supplementing their patient's treatment with the new faith enhancing prescription. Would we make sacrifices in our life in order to obtain Prayer?

In fact, Viagra and Prayer have more in common than at first glance. Viagra may provide the means to more fully express love in a relationship. Prayer certainly provides the means to more fully express our life of faith. Both insist on engaging mind, body, and soul in seeking love shared beyond self. Both can also, however, be misused and abused.

God's first covenant involved the following great commandment: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). In God's new covenant this commandment is further developed: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Mark 12:29-30)

The above passages about love are simply much more than an intellectual response, encompassing feeling, passion, and energy within our being reaching beyond the self. We are called to love God, and to share this gift with others as we receive, through prayer, God's love in our life of faith. Finally, prayer also involves cost. As we proceed steadfastly in prayer, we are transformed in wonderful ways to more fully reflect the image of God uniquely given to us. So many are finding the means to obtain Viagra. Surely we could find the means to justify the cost of regular fervent prayer in our life?

(Fr. Steven Voytovich is Rector of St. Alexis of Wilkes-Barre Mission in Clinton, CT.

This article appeared first in the Westport News.)